Adapt Community Network – Leading NY State Preschool Provider For Children With Special Needs–Receives The 2017-2018 NASET School Of Excellence Award

June 14, 2017

NEW YORK, June 14, 2017 — ADAPT Community Network (ADAPT) five preschool locations have been chosen as a 2017-18 NASET School for Excellence by National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET).

“We are honored to receive this coveted recognition as it further demonstrates that the hard work and dedication of the special education teachers and staff here at ADAPT is truly making a difference in the lives of so many children with disabilities,” said Edward R. Matthews, CEO of ADAPT. “Our programs also integrate typically learning children with those that have special needs when possible as it can only benefit any child to learn in an integrated, non-segregated environment,” added Matthews.

All of ADAPT’s preschools met the high standards needed to be selected by NASET, as this distinction is only bestowed upon select qualified licensed private special education schools. As per NASET, the NASET School of Excellence is the highest level of recognition a private special education school can achieve through their organization.

“This honor is presented to private special education schools that meet rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education,” said Dr. Roger Pierangelo and Dr. George Giuliani, Executive Directors of NASET.

To meet the growing demand from New York City parents for quality education, ADAPT Network recently expanded when the New York League for Early Learning (NYLEL) joined – making ADAPT the largest provider of preschools in New York State. ADAPT now operates 14 preschools that educate children with and without disabilities in all five boroughs of New York City. NYLEL provides early intervention and preschool programs for children birth to 5 years of age with, or at risk for, developmental delays at no cost to families.

ADAPT’s preschool, school age, and after school programs are designed to engage and educate children with special needs. Our universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) and integrated programs offer families a high-quality, family friendly learning environment for children of all developmental levels. We also offer a program for school-age children. All classes are led by licensed and certified teachers and are staffed with certified teaching assistants. ADAPT also offer after-school programs, a summer day camp, and educational resource libraries. Funding for ADAPT preschool and school-age programs is made possible by the New York State Education Department and the New York City Department of Education, and supplemented by donations to ADAPT. The ADAPT programs are provided at no cost to students.

ADAPT will be holding graduation ceremonies for its preschools and school-age program in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan and the Bronx, starting Thursday,June 15th through Friday, June 23th. If you are a member of the media and would like to attend one of these graduations, please contact Petra Tuomi, VP of Marketing and Communications at ptuomi@adaptcommunitynetwork.org.

About ADAPT Community Network (formerly UCP of NYC)ADAPT Community Network (formerly UCP of NYC) is the leading not-for-profit agency and a pioneer in providing programs and services that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. For over 70 years, ADAPT Community Network has created a more inclusive world for New York City children and adults with a variety of challenges. ADAPT Community Network’s breadth of over 100 comprehensive programs include education, health, technology, residential, and recreational services for thousands of individuals and families annually. Our programs are delivered by thousands of trained and dedicated staff, including a number of employees who have disabilities themselves. For more information: www.ADAPTcommunitynetwork.org